Joy and Despair For Slovaks and Brits

Marta Paleníkova was one of five Slovak players to score in double figures, finishing the game with 11 points

There was a stark contrast of emotions inside Fonix Hall at the U20 European Championship Women as the Slovak Republic celebrated a 74-61 victory to progress to the Second Round and condemn a deflated Great Britain to the relegation round.

Having lost both of their opening games, Great Britain knew they had to win to stand any chance of progressing and their cause wasn't helped by another slow start which saw them trailing 19-13 after the opening quarter.

And, despite trying to raise the tempo during the second period, things got much worse when they found themselves down by double digits by half-time.

Head coach Frans Griffioen and his team were still inexplicably reluctant to put up a three-point shot when they returned to the court and therefore getting back the deficit was always going to be much tougher without posing an outside threat.

The Slovak Republic did finally begin to wobble midway through the last quarter after a spin-move in the post by Cheridene Green and an additional foul shot brought Great Britain to within four points at 61-57.

However, the Slovak Republic finished with a powerful 13-4 run to safely book their slot in the second round.

Seventeen year old Zofia Hruscakova impressed with 17 points and eight rebounds while there were plenty of excellent supporting performances underpinning her fine effort.